Helena-West Helena, AR
Population 9,218 · Arkansas
About Helena-West Helena, AR
Helena-West Helena is a small town located in Arkansas with a population of 9,218 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $32,466 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Helena-West Helena features a median home value of $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Helena-West Helena one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $774, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,082 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (1,648 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (1,931 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Helena-West Helena shows an unemployment rate of 18.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Helena-West Helena have an average one-way commute time of 22.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
14.3% of Helena-West Helena residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Helena-West Helena Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Helena-West Helena, AR
Compared to national averages, Helena-West Helena has a median household income of $32,466 (57% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $72,300, which is 70% below the national median. Monthly rent at $774 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Helena-West Helena's income is 38% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 42% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Helena-West Helena, AR?
Helena-West Helena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $72,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $774/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($32,466) that falls below the national average. However, Helena-West Helena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Helena-West Helena has a population of 9,218 with a median age of 39.4 years. Compare Helena-West Helena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Helena-West Helena
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarksville | 9,500 | $37,848 | $159,700 | Compare |
| Greenwood | 9,570 | $65,745 | $177,300 | Compare |
| Hope | 8,787 | $44,353 | $87,800 | Compare |
| Beebe | 8,580 | $56,424 | $163,400 | Compare |
| Farmington | 8,469 | $88,541 | $249,900 | Compare |
| Monticello | 8,320 | $27,998 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Wynne | 8,220 | $40,102 | $125,300 | Compare |
| Arkadelphia | 10,316 | $42,430 | $176,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Helena-West Helena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Helena-West Helena
What is the population of Helena-West Helena, AR?
The population of Helena-West Helena, AR is 9,218 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Helena-West Helena?
The median household income in Helena-West Helena, AR is $32,466 per year, which is 57% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Helena-West Helena?
The median home value in Helena-West Helena, AR is $72,300, which is 70% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Helena-West Helena?
The median monthly rent in Helena-West Helena, AR is $774, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Helena-West Helena?
The unemployment rate in Helena-West Helena, AR is 18.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Helena-West Helena, AR a good place to live?
Helena-West Helena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 9,218 and a median age of 39.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Helena-West Helena, AR?
14.3% of residents in Helena-West Helena aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Helena-West Helena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Helena-West Helena, AR: median home value is $72,300 (70% below national), median rent is $774/month, and median household income is $32,466. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Helena-West Helena?
The poverty rate in Helena-West Helena, AR is 32.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Helena-West Helena, AR?
Helena-West Helena's population is 1.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 73.5% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.